Some members of Ghana’s 2009 Black Satellites squad have declined payments from a matured investment made 15 years ago in recognition of their FIFA U-20 World Cup victory.
A statement released by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) last week revealed that SAS Finance Group had invited all 21 players from the tournament-winning team to claim their matured investment.
Initially set at GHS 10,000.00 per player, the investment has grown to GHS 70,000.00 for each player, including GHS 60,000.00 in accrued interest.
While several players have collected their payments, others have opted not to, citing concerns over the transparency of the investment’s accounting. These players are demanding clarification on how the final payout amount was calculated.
“I went there (SAS office) for an explanation. We had a fruitful conversation, and I had to inform my entourage to get the necessary advice,” Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, a member of the squad, said in an interview with Angel TV.
He further disclosed that team captain Andre Ayew has delegated the matter to his representative, Fiifi Tackie, instructing him not to accept the payment.
“I can confirm that Andre Ayew has given the power of attorney to Fiifi Tackie not to go for his money. I can also halt mine, then we ask the necessary questions.
“When I went there, I asked them the kind of investment they made for us and also asked about the interest rate at the time the investment was made,” he added.
The total investment made for the 21 players amounted to GHS 210,000.00, sparking questions about the returns generated over the 15-year period.